Separable insulated connector system

Abstract

Separable insulated connector systems for power distribution systems wherein the interfaces of the mating connectors are modified to reduce mating and separation force.

1. A separable insulated connector system to make or break a connection in a power distribution system, the connector system comprising:
 a first connector comprising a first elastomeric housing defining a first connector interface on an outer surface thereof, the outer surface having a first rate of change of circumferential dimension; and 
 a second connector comprising a second elastomeric housing defining a second connector interface on an inner surface thereof, the inner surface having a second rate of change of circumferential dimension; 
 wherein each of the first and second connector interfaces are tapered; and 
 wherein the first rate of change of circumferential dimension is substantially different from the second rate of change of circumferential dimension prior to engagement of the first and second connectors, and 
 wherein the first rate of change of circumferential dimension is substantially equal to the second rate of change of circumferential dimension after the first and second connectors are engaged. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one inflection on the inner surface. 
     
     
       3. The connector system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one inflection comprises a dimple. 
     
     
       4. The connector system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one inflection comprises a geometric pattern,
 wherein a first portion of the geometric patter extends outward from the inner surface into a passage dimensioned to slidably receive the first connector, and 
 wherein a second portion of the geometric pattern extends into the inner surface. 
 
     
     
       5. The connector system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one inflection extends circumferentially on the inner surface and comprises an increased band of contact pressure with the first connector. 
     
     
       6. The connector system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one inflection extends circumferentially on the inner surface, and
 wherein the at least one inflection alters an amount of insertion force necessary to engage a mating connector comprises an increased band of contact pressure with a mating connector. 
 
     
     
       7. The connector of  claim 2 , wherein the inflection marks a discontinuity in the inner surface. 
     
     
       8. The connector of  claim 2 , wherein the rate of change of the circumferential dimension is negative before the inflection and positive after the inflection. 
     
     
       9. A separable insulated connector for a power distribution system, the connector comprising:
 an elastomeric housing comprising an interior, an exterior, and an open end, the interior of the housing comprising a connector interface, wherein the connector interface extends inward from the open end along the interior, the connector interface comprising:
 an inner surface defining a passage dimensioned to slidably receive a mating connector along an insertion axis; 
 a plurality of inflections, each inflection comprising a dimple wherein a first portion of the dimple extends outward from the inner surface into the passage and a second portion of the dimple extending into the inner surface, the first portion of the dimple comprising an increased band of contact pressure with the mating connector and the second portion of the dimple comprising a pocket for receiving a lubricant. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The connector of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 an electrical contact; and 
 a conductive insert defining a faraday cage around a portion of the electrical contact; 
 wherein the housing further comprises a mouth, 
 wherein the faraday cage overlaps a region of the housing, and 
 wherein at least one inflection in the plurality of inflections is located between the mouth and the region of the housing that overlaps the faraday cage. 
 
     
     
       11. A separable insulated connector for a power distribution system, the connector comprising:
 an elastomeric housing comprising an interior, an exterior, and an open end, the interior of the housing comprising a connector interface, wherein the connector interface extends inward from the open end along the interior, the connector interface comprising:
 an inner surface defining a passage dimensioned to slidably receive a mating connector along an insertion axis; 
 a plurality of inflections, each inflection comprising a geometric pattern wherein a first portion of the geometric pattern extends outward from the inner surface into the passage and a second portion of the geometric pattern extending into the inner surface, the first portion of the geometric pattern comprising an increased band of contact pressure with the mating connector and the second portion of the geometric patter comprising a pocket for receiving a lubricant. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The connector of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an electrical contact; and 
 a conductive insert defining a faraday cage around a portion of the electrical contact; 
 wherein the housing further comprises a mouth, 
 wherein the faraday cage overlaps a region of the housing, and 
 wherein at least one inflection in the plurality of inflections is located between the mouth and the region of the housing that overlaps the faraday cage. 
 
     
     
       13. A separable insulated connector for a power distribution system, the connector comprising:
 an elastomeric housing comprising an interior, an exterior, and an open end the interior of the housing comprising a connector interface, wherein the connector interface extends inward from the open end along the interior, the connector interface comprising:
 an inner surface defining a passage dimensioned to slidably receive a mating connector along an insertion axis; 
 a plurality of inflections extending circumferentially on the inner surface, each inflection comprising an increased band of contact pressure with the mating connector; 
 a plurality of troughs, the troughs positioned adjacent to and along a side of each inflection, each trough comprising a pocket of decreased contact pressure with the mating connector and capable of receiving a lubricant therein; 
 wherein the circumferential dimension of the inner surface at the peak of each trough is less as each trough is positioned farther away from the open end. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The connector of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 an electrical contact; and 
 a conductive insert defining a faraday cage around a portion of the electrical contact; 
 wherein the housing further comprises a mouth, 
 wherein the faraday cage overlaps a region of the housing, and 
 wherein at least one inflection in the plurality of inflections is located between the mouth and the region of the housing that overlaps the faraday cage.